[5] The Potawatomi people established a village in the area of what is now Eaton Rapids in about 1774.

The following year, a sawmill was constructed near Spring Brook in Spicerville; it provided the lumber settlers used to build Eaton Rapids.

[7] This water was in huge demand, and resulted in many people coming to take mineral water baths, considered to have health benefits, as well as cures from specific ailments.

Fourteen wells were drilled in total to supply water for the baths.

[7] In 1927, Irving Jacob Reuter and his wife Janet built Medovue, a 17-room, 10,000-square foot, Tudor Revival- style mansion, where they lived for nine years.

[9] President of the Oldsmobile automobile company, Reuter was also a financier and inventor.

Their property was sold to the Roman Catholic Diocese of Lansing, and became the private residence of its first bishop, the Most Reverend Joseph H.

and Mille Sumner, who adapted it and reopened it to operate as an Adult Foster Care Home.

The home was sold again in 1990 and was renovated for use as a bed and breakfast, known as the English Inn.

It was purchased by Gary and Donna Nelson in 1996, who also developed a restaurant and pub on the property.

[11] Eaton Rapids is on the northward course of the Grand River as it flows from Jackson to Lansing.

Of all households, 30.0% were made up of individuals, and 11% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older.

Of all households 27.4% were made up of individuals, and 12.2% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older.